How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.
Courses include:
- health and social care
- children and young people's workforce
- children's learning and development
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an organisation that works with families, such as:
- Peer Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Children, Young People and Families Practitioner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Early Intervention Practitioner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Volunteering
You'll normally need some experience to apply for training or jobs as a family support worker.
You can get this by volunteering or finding paid work with:
- children's homes or youth projects
- nurseries
- family refuge centres
- probation services
- family community centres
- mental health services
You can find volunteering opportunities listed on Do It and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
Direct Application
You can apply directly for family support worker jobs if you have experience of working with children, young people or families.
You'll also usually need a minimum of a level 3 qualification in:
- childcare or child development
- social work or social care
- counselling
- youth work
- education
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Career tips
The ability to speak a second language used by groups in the community may be useful for some jobs.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in support work from Think Care Careers.